ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan — Turkmenistan's drug control agency destroyed 635 kilograms of illicit narcotics intercepted on its borders with Afghanistan and Iran on Tuesday.
Representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations attended the ceremonial incineration, which takes place twice a year.
The drugs destroyed consisted mainly of opium but also included heroin and hashish.
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has stepped up the government's fight against drug trafficking since he came to power in late 2006.
Although little independent information is available in this closed former Soviet nation, there is anecdotal evidence that local heroin use has fallen sharply in recent years.
(AP)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
